Hometown: Tri-Cities, Washington
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major? Something I wish I knew about being a physiology major is the importance of finding a study method that works for you personally. Being a freshman and pre-med student, it was difficult to find the best method for me at first due to the number of difficult classes I took and the challenges that go along with starting college. So, I wish I took the time to try different techniques that best suited me right from the beginning!
What are you excited for in your future career? What I am most excited about for my future career as a physician is filling the deep gaps in access to healthcare for the marginalized, as well as supporting my patients in finding the strength and dignity to carry on, even in the most difficult circumstances. One day when I am a doctor, I want to be able to stand with those who are too often overlooked and ensure that health care is a right, not a privilege.
What advice do you have for incoming students? Advice I would like to offer to incoming students is to make that great effort in having a strong relationship with all your professors because they are your number one supporter and want to see you excel and grow in every way possible. Go to their office hours or stop by their office for a chat when their doors are open because for me, my professors have been an integral part of my life and to my future career. I would not be the person I am today without the relationships I share with my professors.
What advice do you have for incoming students? Being able to lead the first Seattle Pacific Medical Brigade to Greece was the most eye-opening and valuable first-hand clinical experience, where we provided essential health care to asylum seekers and refugees. My amazing group of student volunteers and I were able to witness their resilience and humanity, despite immense hardship, which deepened my understanding of global health disparities. Being at SPU has allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills and build unforgettable relationships with others, which are necessary abilities to have when being a doctor. All of my professors at SPU have taught me the importance of hard work and have shaped me into who I am as a leader today by supporting all my passions.